But Jesus’s body was placed in a tomb
Matthew 27:57-60 As evening approached, Joseph, a rich man from Arimathea who had become a follower of Jesus, went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. And Pilate issued an order to release it to him.Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a long sheet of clean linen cloth. He placed it in his own new tomb, which had been carved out of the rock. Then he rolled a great stone across the entrance and left.
John 1:4-5, 14, 17-18 The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. … The Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. … For the law was given through Moses, but God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ. … The unique One, who is himself God, is near to the Father’s heart. He has revealed God to us.“
Stations of the Cross 8
Benn says about his sculpture:
“It was a delight to work in a physical medium as most of my work is digital. The tactile process of slowly and intricately wrapping delicate strip after delicate strip of paper struck me as fitting, since the scriptures are so often pondered slowly, line by line.
“The photography element was fun too, I ended up creating a sort of human shaped dummy to wrap in the linens and serve as the backdrop for the hand poking through. Lighting and staging said photo was much more akin to my usual art (filmmaking) so it felt good to take the piece into a more familiar setting.
“The writing is Hebrew, all taken from the Torah.
“Overall, I found the entire process to be a fulfilling experience, and I hope others are able to use the piece as a starting point to ponder the stark mysteries of this great story: John 5:39-40 You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me! Yet you refuse to come to me to receive this life.“
[Debbie] Benn–and all of the artists whose art we have featured in this series–would love to know how their work has impacted you. Please take a moment to post a comment responding to any of the eight. Thank you!
Last week in Brazil someone commented that it’s possible to become so focused on Scripture that we miss personal encounters with Jesus himself. Hearing this, I thought of Benn’s sculpture, and the invitation to come to Jesus to receive life. Come just as you are.
If you’re like my husband Dave, who can’t wait to return from these posts about the cross to the garden where Jesus emerged ALIVE from the tomb, you’ll be glad there is still another week of Easter season before Pentecost on May 28!
Debra Kornfield 